About SWVADA

The Southwest Virginia

Dressage Association, Ltd. (SWVADA) was organized in 1978 when a group

of dressage enthusiasts came together to form a new chapter of the

Virginia Dressage Association (VADA), a Group Member Organization of the

United States Dressage Federation. As a 501c3 non-profit educational

organization, SWVADA offers clinics, shows, demonstrations, and speakers

that are open to the public.

Members

SWVADA is fueled by enthusiastic members who

are separated geographically but linked closely by their dedication to

the sport. The chapter attracts its over 200 members from throughout

Southwest Virginia from Abingdon to Harrisonburg to Lynchburg as well as

West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Among the members are

several judges, a technical delegate, trainers, instructors, amateur

riders, non-riders, and juniors. Dressage is one of the fastest growing

horse sports and chapter membership has increased 30% in just five

years.

The organization is served by eleven board members who are elected by

the general membership, and four officers elected each

year from among the board members. The officers and board meet monthy on

the third Monday of every month. These meetings are open to anyone and

all members are encouraged to attend.

Activities

SWVADA participates in and hosts a

variety of educationals events, shows, and social activities throughout

the year. The chapter begins the year with Educational Sunday, held each

February at Virginia Tech. It’s a free symposium featuring speakers and

live demonstrations concerning nutrition, health, riding, training, and

special topics. Horse enthusiasts from across the southwest Virginia

region attend to gain new information and sharpen their skills in time

for spring. SWVADA also maintains a lending library of dressage and

horse care related videos.

The chapter and its members are active in hosting,

supporting, and attending shows. In May, SWVADA holds its annual AHSA

recognized dressage show at Green Hill Park Equestrian Center (GHPEC)

with horses and riders up through the highest FEI levels. The chapter

also runs three dressage schooling shows each year at GHPEC and

sanctions many others. Qualified members who have fulfilled their

volunteer requirements are eligible for awards. The awards banquet, held

in in January includes a silent auction benefiting GHPEC.

Members have had the opportunity to volunteer and support the hosting of

prestigious events including the Olympic Qualifying

competition at the Virginia Horse Center in 1988, the World Cup

Qualifying Competition and North American Qualifying

Competitions in May 1989, and the East Coast Dressage Championships in

October 1989. This year, SWVADA members hold

many of the key management positions for the 2001 Bengt Lundquist

Memorial Championships which will be held at the Virginia

Horse Center. Many more members will contribute their volunteer time and

energy to support theseVADA-sponsored BLM

Championships.

Mounted clinics for all levels continue to be tremendously popular and

are offered throughout the year. Ride-a-tests give members an

opportunity to interact with judges to improve the quality of their test

performance. Each September SWVADA offers a three-day Adult Dressage

Camp that has featured numerous nationally and

internationally-recognized competitors and trainers.

SWVADA supports the horse community through educational programs and by

maintaining close ties with organizations such as the Virginia Horse

Council, Roanoke Valley Horseman’s Association, Blue Ridge Combined

Training Association, and the Green Hill Park Committee. The chapter has

raised money and supplied volunteers for facility improvements at GHPEC.

Member Benefits

Members join for friendship,

education, enjoyment, and the satisfaction of being part of an active

and cohesive organization. A $40 individual membership provides:

Membership in the Southwest

chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association

Group membership in the United States Dressage Federation

Eligibility for year-end awards

Discounted show and clinic fees

Subscription to the monthly newsletter, the Salute

The Omnibus schedule of shows

Access to SWVADA’s video lending library

VADA and USDF publications

Fun and friendship with others sharing a common interest

For more information, contact 

Blanche Mahoney

Join us!